Happy Memorial Weekend - Let's take time to remembers those that have served in the past and present, while enjoying nature's theater here in Muskegon, Michigan.  Big Lake... Big Fun...
Here are some of the weekends highlights.

Blessing of the Boats - Muskegon Channel Area  Sunday, May 27  
The 13th annual Blessing of the Boats,  Sunday, May 27, is a Muskegon time honored tradition - an opportunity for visitors, seasonal and year round locals to celebrate.  With 4 events planned, boaters and spectators will honor the Muskegon Port, praying for a safe season for recreational and professional boaters that call Muskegon home.  The 4 events include the Blessing Boat Parade, the Washing of the Lighthouse, Blessing of Boats and Lighthouse Tours.
Boats are invited to meet on Muskegon Lake, near the Channel,  at 12:30pm.  The Marshal boats will line up at 12:45pm as the Blessing Parade heads out towards Lake Michigan.  Once in the South Breakwater Cove, Brian DeVries with the Towboat US will use the 36 ft. Zodiac with twin diesel jet engines to ceremonially wash the lighthouse.  Living Adventure’s Flyboard Professional Tony Tift will also be in the cove.  Last year Tony wowed the crowds  putting on a flyboard show.
At 1:30PM, boats will line-up for the Blessing of the Boats.  This years ceremonial MVP blesser is Captain Ellen Sease.  Ellen, Captain of the Port City Princess for the past 25 years, will grant the Blessing, as boats pass, looking forward to a safe, and fun summer.   
Spectators are asked to line the channel for the Blessing Parade at 12:45pm and the move to the South Breakwater Lighthouse for the Washing of the Lighthouse. The Muskegon Lights Conservation group will offer lighthouse tours from 1 to 5pm, with a brief intermission during the Washing. Participants can climb the lighthouse stairs allowing great views of the channel and breakwater. The cost is $2 – $4.  For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org

USS Silversides Gala Dinner Featuring Lt. Commander Matthew D. Post  -  Friday, May 25
Friday, May 25 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum invites you to a gala dinner featuring Lt. Commander Matthew D. Post!  Lt. Commander Post will share his experiences and stories of serving aboard the USS Michigan nuclear submarine (SSBN 727), US Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) and the USS George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier (CVN 77).  This spring fundraiser will be held in the Channel View Room. Catering is by Brann’s Steakhouse. Please reserve your tickets by calling 231-755-1230 or visit the museum website at www.silversidesmuseum.org.  The cost is $50.

Cole’s Bakery 75th Anniversary - Saturday, May 26
Saturday, May 26, Cole’s Bakery will be celebrating 75 years of baking in Muskegon, so they’re throwing a bash and you’re invited!  The event starts at 5:00pm at Heritage Landing with live entertainment from three local bands and a huge kid’s area. The event ends with a fantastic fireworks display over Muskegon Lake. The celebration is free to enter, although there will be food trucks and beverages on sale.  This is Cole’s way of thanking the community for all of their support through the years. Cole’s also wants to thank their employees for their hard work since 1943. If you or anyone you know worked for Cole’s over the last 75 years, email info@coles.com or call 616-975-0039.  Cole’s would love to reconnect and properly invite you to celebrate your hard work for the company with us at this event.  Cole’s is proud to be Muskegon Born and Bread for 75 years.

31st Annual Lost Boat Ceremony - Sunday, May 27
Sunday, May 27 at 11:00am, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be holding the 31st Annual Lost Boat Ceremony.  It features a tribute to the 52 submarines that were lost in World War II taking the lives of over 3,500 brave young Americans who remain on eternal patrol to this day.  The event ends with the running of the engines of the USS Silversides Submarine – 75 years old and still running with crankshafts made right here in Muskegon.
Everyone is encouraged to take a small amount of their time over Memorial Weekend to participate in an unforgettable event designed to honor the very reason we have this American holiday.  There is no charge to attend this event. For more information, call (231)755-1230
10:00am – Doors open
11:00am – Ceremony begins

• Special guest speaker – LCDR Matthew Post
• Warbirds Fly-Over
• Starting of the USS Silversides engines
• Free picnic lunch served after the ceremony

​​Keep the Boat Afloat - Vikings Lodge  Monday Memorial Day, May 28 2-6pm
​Memorial Day, May 28 from 2:00pm – 6:00pm, don’t miss the “Keep the Boat Afloat” 2018 fundraiser to benefit the PBR 7331 and Operation Black Sheep!  The PBR 7331 will be docked at the Lodge from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. There will also be a program to honor those who have given their lives for our country at 3:00pm, as well as raffles, a live auction, live entertainment by the Steeple Hill Band and fun food like burgers, brats, dogs and sides for purchase.  There will also be a cash bar. Be sure to bring your lawn chair!
What is Operation Black Sheep?
When veterans go to war and come home, they are different. Sometimes it is for the good, but often things that were once easy become a struggle. It is the goal of Operation Black Sheep to promote a sense of belonging, respect, and brotherhood among veterans and the general public alike by offering a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage, and valor of all military veterans. By maintaining and preserving the Mark II Patrol Boat River (PBR) in operational condition, it will allow people (both military and civilian) to experience firsthand the thrill of riding on an operational PBR.  Cruises will be open to the public so everyone can have the opportunity to ride on a unique piece of Vietnam history. Additionally, each month specific dates will be reserved for veterans only. By riding, touching and experiencing one of the few remaining PBRs along with others who have shared the same experiences, veterans suffering from PTSD and other conditions will find peace and comfort on the lake. More information on Operation Black Sheep can be found at www.opblacksheep.org.

Dockers Fish House -  May 25,26,27,28
Dockers will be rocking this Memorial Day weekend with great music food and beverage.   Boats, remember that the docking areas are first come first serve. For more info visit the Dockers Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/dockersmuskegon/
05/25/18   | 7pm-11pm  Janey B and the HouseRockers
05/26/18   | 7pm-11pm  Buddy Pops
05/27/18   | 3pm-7pm  Westside Soul Surfers
05/28/18   | 6pm-10pm  Emily Joyce

The Deck - Opening May 23rd - Live Music May 25,26,27,28
Opening Day May 23rd
http://thedeckmkg.com/
05/25/18   | 7pm-10pm  Rock Shop
05/26/18   | 7pm-10pm  Coty Bouchard
05/27/18   | 3pm-7pm  House Rockers
05/28/18   | 2pm-6pm  Jim Shaneburger

Summer in Muskegon is one of a kind.  So the Deck made Muskegon's only beach-front restaurant one of a kind as well. At The Deck, you can enjoy a great view, a great atmosphere and great food. You need to wear a shirt and shoes (apparently that's the law), but other than that, come as you please. You don't have to dress up for us. As long as you like finger-licking barbecue, kicking your feet up after a hard day (or not) and having a good time, then you're welcome here.